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Sabou, nestled within the Centre-Ouest region of Burkina Faso at coordinates 12.0667° N, -2.2333° W, presents a compelling case study in West African urban geography and its influence on air quality. The city’s location, approximately 170km southwest of Ouagadougou, places it within a transitional zone between the Sudanese savanna and the northern fringes of the Guinean woodlands. Topographically, Sabou sits on a gently undulating plateau, averaging around 300 meters above sea level. This elevation, while not extreme, contributes to localized temperature inversions, particularly during the dry season, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by expansive agricultural fields – primarily sorghum, millet, and maize – interspersed with acacia woodlands and sparse grasslands. This agricultural activity, coupled with traditional cooking methods reliant on wood and charcoal, represents a significant source of particulate matter. The urban–rural gradient around Sabou is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly into agricultural land, with scattered villages and rural settlements. There are no major rivers or lakes immediately adjacent to Sabou, limiting natural air purification processes. While industrial activity is minimal within the city itself, the proximity to larger agricultural zones and potential for future expansion necessitates careful monitoring of emissions. The prevailing winds, generally from the south-east during the wet season and north-west during the dry season, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants, impacting air quality across the region.

Sabou’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s tropical wet and dry climate. The wet season, typically spanning from June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants. Frequent rainfall effectively ‘washes’ particulate matter from the atmosphere, and increased humidity can help to settle dust. However, the wet season also introduces its own challenges; increased biomass burning for land clearing and agricultural residue disposal can lead to short-term spikes in smoke and carbon monoxide. The dry season, from October to May, presents a more concerning picture. Reduced rainfall, coupled with lower humidity, allows dust and particulate matter to persist for longer periods. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler mornings of November to February, trap pollutants near the surface, exacerbating the problem. Wind patterns during this period are often weaker and more variable, hindering dispersion. Months like December and January, with their cooler temperatures and frequent inversions, are generally periods of poorer air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during these months, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution hours. The transition periods – March-May and May-June – offer a gradual improvement in air quality as rainfall increases and temperatures rise, dispersing pollutants. Agricultural practices, particularly the burning of fields, require careful management to minimize their impact on air quality throughout the year.